Connect with Us

Three questions for candidates in New Westminster - Coquitlam

The NewsLeader posed three questions to candidates in the New Westminster-Coquitlam riding:

What is the most important issue this election, and what is your party’s plan to address it?

Diana Dilworth - Conservative

The single most important issue in this election is the economy. The party that has a proven record on this issue is the Conservatives. Our party has successfully helped Canada navigate the recent economic downturn by providing a stable and steady hand. We have done this with prudent spending and keeping taxes low.

Fin Donnelly - NDP

Affordability. Not only are working families feeling the pinch because of the rising costs of food, energy, gas and other everyday items, they now have the HST on top of everything else. Families are finding it harder and harder to afford post-secondary education, purchase a home or tackle rising medical costs. New Democrats have put forward clear and practical solutions to scrap the HST, improve health care, secure a national affordable housing plan and cut pharmaceutical drug costs.

Ken Beck Lee - Liberal

The most important issue is to help struggling families rather than spending billions of dollars on U.S.A.-made fighter jets, U.S.A.-style mega-prisons, and unnecessary tax cuts to big corporations mainly owned by the U.S.A. Our families own small businesses which create most of the jobs in Canada. Generating more disposable income for our families is a much better way to boost our economy rather than giving out tax cuts to big corporations.

Rebecca Helps - Green

No response received by press time.

What makes you the best candidate to serve constituents in this riding?

Diana Dilworth - Conservative

I have worked, volunteered and raised my family in this riding. My background includes working for both the private and public sector, including the City of New Westminster. Operating my own small business, I served clients in all three municipalities in this riding. Currently I am serving in elected office and have worked as operations manager at a non-profit organization for the past nine years. I have a strong reputation in representing residents and championing initiatives for the local community. This diverse background provides the breadth of experience and skill required to be a strong Member of Parliament.

Fin Donnelly - NDP

I was born in New Westminster, raised in Port Moody and live and work in Coquitlam. I know this riding and have committed my life through my work with Rivershed Society of B.C. and as a city councillor for seven years to making this area as healthy and sustainable as possible. For the past 17 months I have worked hard as your MP and taken those values to Ottawa – standing up for important issues like job protection, the environment, health care and transportation.

Ken Beck Lee - Liberal

I have accumulated engineering knowledge over 40 years, management skills gained through owning small businesses since 1981, and international experience through the UN Climate Change Agency. I have crawled through sewers while the other two candidates were sitting in the city council chamber.

Rebecca Helps - Green

No response received by press time.

What will be your first priority if you are elected as the MP?

Diana Dilworth - Conservative

If elected, my first priority will be to get to work on the most important issue for my riding, namely the economy. I will continue ongoing dialogue with the residents, local businesses and local governments to ensure their voice is heard. I will work hard to keep taxes low and continue providing the necessary tax relief that will create jobs in our community and help in keeping our economic recovery strong.

Fin Donnelly - NDP

Earlier this year, I held a series of town hall meetings in each city in the riding. The feedback I received informed my work in the House of Commons. If re-elected, my first priority will be to resume work on the issues raised by residents – health care, affordability, job creation and pension protection, support for seniors, public transportation, and environmental protection.

Ken Beck Lee - Liberal

Finding the best way of helping your family with better education and health care will be my first priority.

Rebecca Helps - Green

No response received by press time.

We encourage an open exchange of ideas on this story's topic, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. Personal attacks, inappropriate language, and off-topic comments may be removed, and comment privileges revoked, per our Terms of Use. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.